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Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.